The Chiefs defeat Melbourne Rebels 22-16 in their Super Rugby clash

Melbourne's quest for its first Super Rugby win overseas continues, but it gained more respect after the fast-finishing Rebels were shaded 22-16 by two-time defending Super Rugby champions, the Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday.

The Rebels, whose offshore record now reads 0-14, paid a high price for some undisciplined early play, trailing 19-0 inside 25 minutes.

The resurgent Rebels then scored the next 13 points and twice got within six points in the second half as they put on tremendous late pressure.

Full-back Jason Woodward missed a close range penalty in the 72nd minute and the Rebels twice decided against kicks for goal in the last five minutes against a 14-man Chiefs side that had a man in the sin-bin.

However, nothing came of a lineout and then a tap, as a player was forced over the sideline on the first occasion and a knock-on ended the second opportunity.

It was not a happy night for Rebels number eight and captain Scott Higginbotham who gave away a number of penalties and was sin-binned in the 55th minute for a professional foul near his own line.

The Chiefs, who were coming off a three-match away stand that produced a loss to Western Force followed by two high-scoring draws in South Africa, paid Melbourne plenty of respect.

The normally free-flowing Chiefs played high percentage, territory-orientated rugby as the Rebels dug in and won much of their own ball.

Woodward triggered the comeback with two penalties to cut the deficit to 13 at half-time.

Within three minutes of the restart Japanese hooker Shonta Horie crashed over the line following a half break by winger Tom English and a good pass from replacement half-back Luke Burgess.

Wallaby Burgess came on late in the first half after starting half-back Nic Stirzaker was injured.

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